(Supplied: City of Grande Prairie Youth Advisory Council, Facebook 2018)

By Abby Zieverink

Youth Advisory Council

Grande Prairie Youth Advisory Council seeking new members

Sep 19, 2021 | 5:00 AM

Applications are now open for the Grande Prairie Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for the 2021/2022 year.

YAC Chair Kieran Nicholson says as a council member, there are several opportunities to gain new skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and community involvement.

“You can benefit from the skills you learn. You’re going to learn a lot more about assertive leadership, about being assertive in general, about speaking to members in your community and networking to people around you.”

Nicholson says being a part of the YAC allows youth representatives to give input in the community by participating in discussions, policies, and issues that matter to them.

“On top of that, you’ll have opportunities to talk with council members and communicate with the City of Grande Prairie Council. I think that’s a pretty cool opportunity.”

Nicholson says being a member of the YAC has allowed her to feel more involved in the Grande Prairie community.

“I think most people take a sense of community and actually being involved. There’s a lot of people/youth around me even that say they wish there was more of this or a program that could do this.”

City residents between the ages of 14 and 24 of all experiences and backgrounds wanting to have an impact on the community can apply.

Nicholson says being a member usually involves monthly meetings although members can expect to commit roughly four to five hours a month.

She says some benefits of being a member of the YAC include boosting your resume, learning new skills, advocating for youth initiatives, and having access to reference letters.

The City of Grande Prairie says YAC members will receive a one-year membership to the Eastlink Centre as well as other training and event opportunities throughout the year.

The application deadline to apply is September 30. More information and the application form can be found on the City of Grande Prairie,s website.